“In vino veritas” (In wine, there is truth) – Pliny the Elder

Gaius Plinius Secundus, better known as Pliny the Elder, was a commander of the Roman Empire two thousand years ago. He was also an author, a naturalist, a philosopher, and compiled one of the first encyclopedias, the Naturalis Historia, among many works that survived. A few of his comments are fairly well known, although may not always be quoted exactly, such as the sentiment that the only certainty in life is that nothing is certain. I am reminded of this quote every time I open the Surprising Drawer.

Pliny the Elder might have enjoyed this cocktail as well, and is most certainly a surprising source of inspiration for the Surprising Drawer drink pairing. The Pliny’s Tonic is the most popular cocktail on the menu at Anvil Bar and Refuge, Houston’s original drinks emporium and one of the best bars in America, yet was a surprise hit. Anvil’s owner Bobby Heugel relates the origins of the drink, which was called the Forecast and was served prior to Anvil’s opening at Monica Pope’s restaurant, Beavers. The original used an herbal bay leaf syrup created by then head chef Dax McAnear. Heugel explains that the drink can be deconstructed down from a few others but is essentially a spicy gimlet (gin, lime, sugar syrup). At Anvil, Heugel adds habanero tincture to an Eastside, which just adds cucumber to a Southside, which just adds mint to a gimlet. The name derives from an association of cucumber, medicinal properties, and Pliny the Elder, and has been requested at the bar since the earliest days. Here’s to pleasant surprises and the satisfaction they bring – cheers.

Pliny’s Tonic by Bobby Heugel

2 oz gin (Anvil uses Citadel)

1 oz lime

¾ oz simple syrup

8 mint leaves

2 slices cucumber

3-4 dashes habanero tincture (Bittermen’s Hellfire Bitters)

Muddle the cucumber, mint and gin in a tin then add remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a favorite glass and use that as a surprising garnish.